Grand gestures of romantic intent and the unearthing of a first and true love. John Hughes brought out the best in young romance as well as humorous and very real accounts of adolescent struggles. Growing up is hard enough without love and when it drops on you, like all things at that age, it's dramatic. Why do we love these characters even in our older adult lives? We watch these films over and over because they're great of course and no other filmmaker has ever gotten close to recreating that magic. Under the pimples, misunderstood complexities, insecurity and awkwardness of being a teenager these films represent pure crushes and the complete commitment teenagers have towards love. Whether reciprocated or not, a John Hughes love goes the extra distance. Our heroes are strong females like Samantha Baker or the ultimate mover-and-shaker Ferris Bueller and the object of their affections get their honest unapologetic pursuit. These aren't narcissistic teenagers who text and game their way through their days... these are young adults who are aware they will never feel this strongly about anything again. Since most of us crave intensity in lust and love we watch these films time and time again. We remember what it was like to feel everything so deeply. We crush all over.

There are countless websites and blogs devoted to John Hughes films and the love of their characters. There's even a quiz to find out which one you are and an analysis of his male crush-worthy characters. Some even try to tell you what each boy says about you. All of this just reflects what I've been saying... we love a first love and the purity of being young. Check out this montage of his greatest moments... throw your fist in the air and love like you're in a John Hughes movie, with honest purity.